With no building, Oneida martial arts school continues outdoors

Heath Waterman of Waterman Martial Arts Ryouzan Dojo looks on as student work out at Allen Park in the city of Oneida on Thursday, July 10, 2014.
JOHN HAEGER-ONEIDA DAILY DISPATCH @ONEIDAPHOTO ON TWITTER

ONEIDA >> Heath Waterman’s Martial Arts Ryouzan Dojo students and instructors aren’t letting the collapse of their building bring down their school. Waterman has been holding his classes in Allen Park until he can find a new space.

His students seem to enjoy their training just as much outside.

Waterman’s Martial Arts Dojo came down on July 4 after two storms wracked the outer wall of the structure, causing it to collapse on July 2. Although he hasn’t found a space yet, he’s going to continue looking in the Oneida area and may end up just building a new dojo.

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Waterman started teaching karate nine years ago as an assistant instructor for Pinney American Karate in Hamilton and Sherburne. He’s been studying martial arts for 21 years, predominantly karate.

“Karate is just something that’s in my blood,” Waterman said. “I’ve always stuck with it. When Owen moved out of Oneida, it seemed like a good business opportunity to move in and start my own classes. I fell in love with it.”

Waterman offers a variety of martial arts training throughout the week, including kick boxing, capoeira, tradition Japanese weapons training, kendo and karate. He trains people of all ages, though his students mostly hover between 5 and 15. Waterman said the majority of his classes are focused on self defense.

Waterman created the name of his dojo to inspire his students to work hard. Ryou, in Japanese, means to endure. Zan is Japanese for steep mountain. The name is indicative of the struggle his students face not only in martial arts, but in life – that hard work is the way to achieve success.

“The idea behind it is that especially in martial arts, it takes a lot of endurance to keep climbing higher and learning,” Waterman said. “Our name is really being put to the test right now, with everything that is happening.”

Waterman runs the dojo with the help of his brother Ethan, who he said does so much for him and his students that he “doesn’t know what he’d do with out his help. Ethan is always here, he’s my rock.”

On Mondays and Thursdays, Waterman teaches his Mighty Monkeys, kids 7 and under who can focus on technique and get a beginners look at karate. He also teaches his main class on these days, which on Friday was made up of a dozen students with only a few missing in the confusion. On Tuesdays, he offers private lessons and weapons training with the help of other instructors. Monday night is also kickboxing night. For now, all classes will be meeting in Allen Park.

Waterman’s classes are a balanced combination of strict instruction and fun – he’s able to keep his students focused and attentive, but with smiles on their faces. He starts with a variety of stretches and leads into kicking and punching techniques, which evolve into take-downs. Waterman said he likes to provide “skills that stack” that easily build onto themselves, are easy to learn, and are practical.

Ten-year old Dan Cummings is a yellow belt at Ryouzan; he said he started taking the class to pick up some self defense tips. He’s been doing karate since first grade.

“I want to get stronger and faster,” Cummings said, “so I can defend myself.”

“I’ve been doing karate for five years,” said 12-year-old Autumn Davis. “It’s just something fun to do. I get to learn new things and have interesting experiences while staying active.”

“It’s just fun,” said Vernon-Verona-Sherrill senior Scott Wilson. “I’ve always wanted to do karate and I enjoy it.”

Waterman said he is still shopping around for a new location, and that salvage at the site is completed though clean-up is still being determined. He is working with his neighbors and insurance companies to determine the best course of action. He hopes to be cleaned up soon.

He addressed the class, answering any questions they may have about the dojo. Most made it clear they were happy to be outside learning.

About the Author

Until December, 2014, Nick will was a staff writer at the Oneida Daily Dispatch. Hailing from Madison. Nick is a 2012 SUNY Plattsburgh graduate. In his time at The Dispatch, he focused on education, history and community events coverage in Madison and Southern Oneida counties. Reach the author at nwill@oneidadispatch.com
or follow Nick on Twitter: @DispatchNick.